UST’s Journalism Department Backs its Student Facing Criticism, Doxxing From BINI Fans

The University of Santo Tomas (UST) Journalism Department supported journalism student Geiron Jefferson Ocampo after facing intense backlash over an InqPOP article he wrote regarding the Filipino girl group BINI. 

According to the department’s chair, Felipe Salvosa II, Ocampo interned at the Philippine Daily Inquirer and wrote for its pop culture website during his stint. 

The InqPOP article, where Ocampo wrote the speculation of some BINI fans — colloquially called “Blooms” for the group’s use of flowers and butterflies for its branding — that the eight-member group is reaching the end of the hype. 

Seven months after their peak and the controversy surrounding their alleged “overpriced” ticket for their ‘Grand Biniverse’ concert, some have begun to wonder if BINI is still relevant, especially to casual listeners. (via @InqPOP)

READ MORE: https://t.co/ipQJNsvf2Y pic.twitter.com/1ALHbMfqgn

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) October 16, 2024

It is understood that BINI, currently signed under ABS-CBN’s record label Star Music, made a breakthrough in the music and entertainment industry in 2024 for its viral hits like “Pantropiko” (“Tropical”), “Cherry on Top,” and “Salamin, Salamin” (“Mirror, Mirror”).

Ocampo further wrote in his piece that Blooms had high expectations as the group became successful, and some of them were disappointed with BINI’s apparent shift from performing music in the local Filipino languages like Tagalog to mixing it with songs in English to sell itself to an international crowd. 

“As BINI moves through the subsequent phases of its career, striking a balance between remaining loyal to its origins and broadening its appeal internationally will be essential,” he wrote. 

In Defense of Journalism

According to The Flame, the official publication of UST’s Faculty of Arts and Letters, the university’s journalism department came to Ocampo’s defense after it was revealed that the student journalist was targeted by some Blooms who claimed that the InqPOP article promoted what they called a “biased agenda.”

UST Department of Journalism chair Asst. Prof. Felipe Salvosa II expressed support for journalism senior Geiron Jeff Ocampo, who was severely criticized for his piece about BINI published at pop culture website InqPOP.https://t.co/KefkoZuYLO

— The Flame (@abtheflame) October 17, 2024

Other fans also dismissed Ocampo’s piece as “irresponsible journalism” despite citing sources and responsibly including screenshots of social media posts and comments.

Salvosa, a veteran journalist and university assistant professor, led the defense of the student, calling on the public to cease the smear campaign against Ocampo and stop sharing his personal information.

“We appeal to some social media users to stop malicious actions such as unauthorized use or disclosure of Mr. Ocampo’s personal information, including photos and social media activity,” Salvosa said in a statement on Facebook. “We also believe that his family and friends, who have nothing to do with his work, should be off-limits.”

Salvosa was contacted for further comments but referred Paper Straw Media to his official statement.